C Sowle Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Corvette Juniors Place
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
C Sowle Reservoir, located in Culbertson, Montana, is a privately owned water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1940, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond habitat. The dam, situated on TR-Hardscrabble Creek, is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, ensuring proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting to maintain its integrity and safety.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, C Sowle Reservoir offers a reliable water source for local agricultural and wildlife needs. Despite its modest size, this reservoir plays a crucial role in the region's water management efforts, especially during times of drought or wildfire. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, maintaining and monitoring this reservoir is essential to ensuring the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem and community.
As climate change continues to impact water resources in the area, C Sowle Reservoir serves as a vital asset for mitigating the effects of fluctuations in water availability. Its strategic location and design make it a valuable resource for supporting both human and ecological needs, highlighting the importance of responsible management and stewardship. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, C Sowle Reservoir represents a unique opportunity to study the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and ecosystem health in a dynamic and changing environment.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HARDSCRABBLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
C Sowle Reservoir